Thursday, July 10, 2008

Segways? How about some alternatives?

Now, it's not something that would come from tax money, so if people want to spend six grand on a Segway for the cops, they're welcome to do so. But I can't help but wonder just which alternate forms of transportation we could get to help the police be "visible to the public" and "go larger distances in a short amount of time," both benefits cited by Chief DeMoura.

Let's look at the options, shall we?

Segway

Cost: $6,000, plus energy costs for charging.

Pros:

Makes you look high-tech.

Makes you about 6 inches taller, good for increasing visibility and spotting crime at a distance!

Can go 12 mph for about 2 hours.

Easy to use, even for uncoordinated or out-of-shape officers.

Cons:

It's hard to respect anyone riding a Segway.

Requires electricity (energy costs, danger of running out of juice in the field, etc.).

Certainly there are more options than the ones I've listed above, but at least this is a start. Feel free to chime in with your own ideas in the comments (no sneakers though, this is about technology, not footwear!).

Let's make sure the FPD has the tools it needs to most effectively fight crime!